Pantagraph

I just picked up an older Engravograph with a small motor head attached to it. I called Hermes and ordered there catalog as well as a few new parts that were needed. It came with 3 sets of various sized letters and numbers that I will use to diamond etch names into my blades. My question is this. Does anybody use this type of set up with carbide cutters for doing inlays in soft/annealed metals? I was thinking stainless or titanium. If so what size bits etc do you use and where do you pick them up at? The shaft on the Engravograph is 1/8 inch right hand threads. I would also like to know if anybody has used this set up to do the firing buttons for auto's and or rocker lock auto's. Thanks in advance!
 
Dr.Lathe

Dr.Lathe

Joined
Aug 4, 1999
Messages
2,596
I have done lots of work over the years with 2 and 3 axis pantographs. Most of the ones I have used were Gortons and Traubs. The Hermes I've seen were more of an egraver but probably could be used for doing interframes with small bits and light cuts. The problem will be having to make more complicated masters to keep the stylus "captured" in the master. You should be able to get most of the small cutters you would need from MSC. Two other companies are Atrax and Altex. I would have to looke them up or check the Thomas register. Atrax and Altex both make custom carbide tooling. It gets confusing ordering from both of them and both companies are used to it!!
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If I ever find a 3 axis pantograph for a good price, I will jump on it. I have lots of tooling and fixturing that I made for a company that went out of business. For me a pantograph for making folders would be of more use than a CNC mill.
Having the 3rd axis is a big plus also.
Anyone know of a Gorton for sale?
Neil

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[This message has been edited by Dr.Lathe (edited 01-12-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Dr.Lathe (edited 01-12-2000).]
 
Dr. Lathe,Thanks for the quick reply! When you say 2 and 3 axis, what do you exactly mean? Mine has 1 arm that traces the letters/numbers and connected to that is the scriber/cutter. I can adjust the table/vise that the piece is held down to up and down, side to side and forward and backward and even angle it. I assume that this setup is strictly for engraving but I do have the MSC catolog and will peek thru it to look for carbide bits. Being able to do some inlays and maybe some firing buttons would be a definate bonus!
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[This message has been edited by CJ (edited 01-12-2000).]
 
CJ
Yes! You can do like Dr lathe says.
Small cuts and small cutters will do inlays and such . As for carbide cutters heres a good source . JTS machine They have great pricing on carbide cutters.
1800-321-3566 Ask for a catalog. I use there cutters often.
Dr Lathe... the pantograph is a very nice machine for the shop when making folders. There are many out there ...
Keep looking:]
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[This message has been edited by Darrel Ralph (edited 01-12-2000).]
 
Thanks for the info Darrel! I will give them a call and order that catolog tomorrow. Hopefully this spring we can hook up and put that new machine to use doing some rocker locks with a kick of leaf spring steel!
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CJ,
The larger pantographs work more like a car with power stearing! No matter how heavy of a cut you take you realy dont feel it at the stylus! As far as three axis.....Think of your letter guides as 2 axis, you can follow the letters with the stylus in say X and Z. Now think of raising each letter higher than the next and having your cutter mill at these different heights, that is your third axis (Z). You can make 3 dimensional pieces, like knife frames, with counter bores, inlays and profiles all of different hights.
Also some realy nice pantographs have sort of a quill that can be used to drill holes in different locations. This is an expensive option.
Explaining this is harder that actually running the darn thing
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Ralph,
I have looked at several, Bridgports, surface grinders and pantographs over the past few months and they have been all junk!
I dont think Florida is a good place to buy used machinery
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Neil

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http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

 
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